Japanese Food
Japanese food is celebrated worldwide for its fresh ingredients, delicate flavours, and artistic presentation. From expertly crafted sushi to warming bowls of ramen and donburi, Japanese cuisine offers an exciting blend of taste, tradition, and nutrition.
At Sushi Handroll, we bring the best of Japanese food to London, using high-quality ingredients and time-honoured techniques to create dishes that reflect the true essence of Japanese cuisine. Whether you’re a sushi enthusiast, exploring different types of sushi, or looking for healthy Japanese food, our menu caters to every taste and dietary preference.
What Makes Japanese Food Unique?
Japanese cuisine is steeped in history, with recipes and techniques passed down for generations. Its uniqueness lies in freshness, balance, and umami-rich flavours, making it one of the most celebrated culinary traditions in the world.
Fresh, Seasonal Ingredients
A key characteristic of authentic Japanese food is its emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce. From sushi-grade fish to crisp vegetables and aromatic rice, every ingredient is selected to enhance both flavour and nutritional value.
Umami – The Fifth Flavour
Japanese cuisine is famous for its umami-rich ingredients, such as:
- Soy sauce – Aged and fermented for deep, savoury notes.
- Miso – A fermented soybean paste that adds complexity to soups and marinades.
- Dashi broth – A cornerstone of Japanese cooking, used to create depth in soups and sauces.
The Most Popular Types of Japanese Food
Japanese cuisine extends far beyond sushi. Some of the most beloved Japanese food dishes include:
Sushi – The Iconic Dish of Japan
Sushi is one of the most well-known elements of Japanese food, offering a mix of delicate flavours and precise craftsmanship. There are many types of sushi, each with its own unique characteristics.
- Nigiri – A small hand-pressed ball of rice topped with fresh fish.
- Maki Rolls – Sushi rolls wrapped in seaweed and sliced into bite-sized pieces.
- Sashimi – Thinly sliced raw fish served without rice.
- Temaki – A hand-rolled sushi cone filled with fresh ingredients.
For an in-depth look at sushi, visit our dedicated Types of Sushi Explained page.
Ramen – The Ultimate Comfort Food
A steaming bowl of ramen is a staple in Japanese cuisine, featuring wheat noodles in a rich, flavourful broth. There are many regional variations, including:
- Shoyu Ramen – Soy sauce-based broth with a savoury depth.
- Tonkotsu Ramen – A creamy, pork-based broth that is deeply satisfying.
- Miso Ramen – A bold, umami-rich broth made from fermented soybean paste.
Tempura – Light and Crispy Perfection
Tempura is a popular Japanese dish that involves lightly battered and fried seafood or vegetables, offering a crispy yet delicate texture. Some of the most common tempura ingredients include:
- Prawns – A favourite for their light and crispy coating.
- Sweet Potato – A slightly sweet, crunchy delight.
- Aubergine – Absorbs flavour beautifully while staying crisp.
Healthy Japanese Food – Light, Nutritious & Balanced
One of the reasons Japanese food is celebrated worldwide is its health benefits. Many dishes are naturally low in fat, high in protein, and rich in essential nutrients.
What Makes Japanese Food Healthy?
- Fresh Fish – Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
- Vegetable-Based Dishes – Full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Minimal Processing – Most dishes use natural, whole ingredients.
- Balanced Portions – Japanese meals emphasise quality over quantity.
For those looking for nutritious options, explore our dedicated Healthy Sushi Options page.
Types of Sushi – Exploring the Variations
Japanese cuisine features a diverse range of sushi styles, each with its own unique preparation method. Whether you’re a sushi connoisseur or new to Japanese food, understanding the types of sushi can help you discover new favourites.
Traditional vs Modern Sushi
- Traditional Sushi – Focuses on pure, simple flavours, such as nigiri and sashimi.
- Modern Sushi – Incorporates bold ingredients and sauces, like tempura rolls and spicy tuna rolls.
To learn more about different types of sushi, check out our Types of Sushi Explained page.
Experience Authentic Japanese Food in London
Whether you’re craving sushi, ramen, or traditional Japanese dishes, Sushi Handroll offers an extensive menu filled with authentic Japanese food. Our chefs bring the flavours of Japan to London using time-honoured techniques and fresh ingredients.
- Dine-In – Enjoy an authentic Japanese dining experience at one of our locations.
- Takeaway & Delivery – Order your favourite Japanese food from the comfort of your home.
- Explore Our Menu – Discover a wide range of dishes, from healthy Japanese food to popular sushi varieties.
Sushi Handroll Locations
Barkingside
Phone: 020 8143 0141
159 High Street Barkingside,
IG6 2AJ.
Monday to Thursday 11am – 10:30pm
Friday to Sunday 10.30am – 10.30pm
Finsbury Park
Phone: 020 3336 9357
148 Tollington Park,
Finsbury Park,
London, N4 3AD.
Monday to Sunday 11am – 11pm
Forest Hill
Phone: 020 3551 1181
Forest Hill,
190 Dartmouth Road,
SE26 4QZ.
Monday to Thursday 11am – 10pm
Friday to Sunday 11am – 10:30pm
Romford
Phone: 01708 592 269
18 South Street,
RM1 1RA.
Monday to Thursday: 10:30am – 11pm
Friday to Sunday: 10:30am – 11:30pm
Upminster
Coming Soon
73 Corbets Tey Road,
Upminster,
RM14 2AJ.
Walthamstow
Phone: 020 3544 1391
169 Hoe Street,
E17 3AL.
Monday to Thursday: 11am – 11pm
Friday to Sunday: 11am – 11:30 pm
West Norwood
Phone: 020 3609 6428
60 Knights Hill,
West Norwood,
London, SE27 0JD.
Monday to Thursday 11am – 10pm
Friday to Sunday 11am – 10:30pm